Kevin O'Donovan

Kevin Joseph O'Donovan passed from this mortal coil in Wilmington, NC on May 18, 2013 at the age of 68. Kevin was born on June 3, 1946 in Dublin, Ireland. Kevin is survived by his son Neil O'Donovan and daughter-in-law Kristin of Grosse Pointe Park, MI; daughter-in-law Dana O’Donovan of Wilmington, NC; brother Conor O’Donovan of Dublin, Ireland; sisters Mary Marrow of Anglesey Wales, UK; and Loyola Weeks of London, England. Kevin is also survived by three adored grandchildren, Molly, Katie Hayes and Declan. His beloved wife, Paula O’Donovan, his son Kevin Christopher O’Donovan and his parents Con and Peggy O’Donovan, preceded him in death.

While attending an all Gaelic speaking high school in Dublin, Ireland, Kevin was a competitive debater and joined the local part time defense forces, where he became a champion Bren-gun marksman. He graduated in 1964 in the top echelons of a class that included four of the top 10 students in Ireland, a number of which joined him at the University College of Dublin Engineering School. His Suzuki motorcycle during college days is still a point of contention and comment by his more conformist Honda 50 riding peers!

After graduating with Distinction in 1968, Kevin and his wife moved to the United States. Kevin joined General Electric serving in Louisville, Syracuse and Boston, before completing his MBA at Rensselaer Polytechnic University and later heading the Hydro Turbine manufacturing team in Schenectady, New York. After roles as plant manager in consumer product manufacturing in North Carolina, Kevin acquired Tarheel Pools and Spas in Wilmington, which he developed and managed until retirement. He had the honor of being Grand Marshall of the Wilmington St Patrick’s Day parade.

Kevin took joy in spending time with his family, a good book, and a fine meal. He had wanderlust and traveled extensively, his explorations took him all over Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Far East. Late to golf, he was pleased to conquer Pinehurst 2 and Kiawah as well as the most challenging Links on the West Coast of Ireland – Ballybunion, Carne, Enniscrone and Lahinch.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday May 25, 2015 at 11:00 AM St. Mark's Catholic Church, 1011 Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kevin's life.